Fisher Branch’s graduating class of 2024 is finally “moving on.”
In a ceremony filled with laughter and tears, the 10 graduates said goodbye to the first 18 years of their life, almost 13 of them spent entirely together. The day started at 1 p.m. as the sun shone overhead, heat waves radiating outside as the grads made their way to accept their diplomas inside.
“After my first 20 minutes or so with this group, I left wondering, ‘what did I get myself into?’” said Tim Beyette, teacher and guest speaker at Fisher Branch grad. “Well, semester two came along and I found myself teaching them two classes every day. It was not long before I had an attitude adjustment and I came to see this group as a unique blend of wonderful, fun-loving, and yes, even likeable personalities.”
Beyette taught Fisher Branch’s graduating class of 2024 for just three years but had memories he holds dearly with each and every one of the students. Beyette mentioned Kelly Huynh’s smile, saying he doesn’t remember one time when she wasn’t wearing it. He added that smile was uplifting every day, but especially on the not-so-good days.
Beyette talked about Klyd Miranda being his go-to person to get the discussion started. No matter the topic, he said he could always count on Miranda to add his thoughts and opinions, though they were often opposite to his own. Beyette mentioned Chase Nahuliak being a great conversationalist, eager to talk about anything in class that was off topic. He dubbed Gabe Vieira the negotiator, talked about Justin Beaudette’s perseverance, and laughed when remembering Jared Leochko dance moves, namely his signature routine.
Beyette looked to Rachel Traa, hitting on her creative mind and vivid imagination, then to Benson Legary, noting his never-ending enthusiasm. He mentioned quiet Owen Favel, who was always ready for a friendly chat, and Raelyn Daniels, whom he saved for last because of the lasting impact their last conversation had on him — Daniels, doing extremely well on her history exam, said to Beyette he must be proud of her, and he is. He’s proud of her, and each of her classmates.
Beyette’s speech was on the theme “moving on.” He said some of the graduates may enter the work force immediately after graduating, others may go into further education or training, and some may take the time to travel.
“Wherever your path leads, remember there will be challenges and solutions, good times and bad times,” he said. “And of course, failure and success. Such is life. Whatever life brings your way in the next few days, months, and years, remember this — each and every one of you has it within yourselves to rise above challenges, grab hold of the good times, and learn from failures to turn them into success.”
Principal Amanda Garton called graduation a day of joy, reflection, and a bit of anticipation. Speaking directly to the graduates, she said, “you have navigated the challenges and embraces the opportunities that your education presented.
Express Photos by Sara Uruski Photography
“Your perseverance, dedication, and hard work have brought you to this moment,” she said. “Each of you has grown, not just academically, but personally and socially, preparing you for the diverse paths that lie ahead.”
She said the knowledge and skills the now-grads have acquired are tools that will help them build their futures, but their character, integrity, and compassion will define their success.
“As you step into the world outside of these walls, remember to embrace the values of empathy, resilience, and curiosity,” said Garton. “You are all capable of learning continuously, innovating fearlessly, and contributing positively to your communities.”
The crowd of parents, grandparents, teachers, siblings, friends, and loved ones listened as valedictorian Kelly Huynh took the stage. She had a different take on the traditional speech, speaking about love in all its different forms for her peers.
The ceremony continued as almost 60 awards were given out. More than 20 awards went to Huynh, including the University of Manitoba’s Chown Centennial award for $1,000, the Olga Grouch Fund award for $2,000, the Governor General’s medal, and the highest grade awards for Grade 12 Applied Math, Grade 12 Pre-Calculus Math, Grade 12 ELA, Grade 12 Chemistry, and Grade 12 Physics.
Taking home almost 15 awards was Miranda, with a few being the Olga Grouch Fund award for $2,000, an anonymous award for $1,000, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada award for $5,000, and the highest mark in Grade 12 Construction Technology. Nahuliak received more than five awards, Legary got 10, and Vieira received three.
To close off his speech, and to send the grads into the world, Beyette quoted The Lord of the Rings.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo Baggins, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no telling where you might be swept off to.”
Express Photos by Sara Uruski Photography
